RightsCon 2017 is kicking off today (29-31 March, Brussels) so we wanted to give you an update and also ask for your help amplifying our message.

Restrictions to Internet access are on the rise globally. Data shows that between 2015 and 2016, the number of Internet shutdowns bumped up from 15 to 56 worldwide. Not only is this causing collateral damage to the Internet, but we’re also putting the society and economy at risk. If we don’t do anything, we are at serious risk of eroding the trust that people have in the Internet - to the point of no return.

So, before they take action, governments need to #ThinkTwice: Internet shutdowns and content filtering are not the answer, they must #KeepItOn!

Here’s what you can do to help:

Share our new policy paper on Internet content blocking. We need to put this in the hands of policy makers and our partners around the world so they know that merely blocking access to content deemed illegal is not the solution. A special thanks to our members for providing invaluable input on this paper in its consultation phase!

Watch our Twitter feed and retweet calls to action for the week. We will also be posting messages on Facebook so please share if you can.

Reach out to top influencers on social. Are you following people who would be able to contact governments? Reach out to them on social and share our paper.

Use the hashtags. We have joined the #KeepItOn campaign and will also be testing the hashtag #ThinkTwice. We’ll be watching both and will happily signal boost you on ISOC’s channels!